If you’re unfamiliar with Fullmetal Alchemist I HIGHLY recommend getting familiar. FMA tells the story of two brothers who are on a journey to reclaim their bodies after a tragic accident costs Edward (older brother) his arm and leg, and Alphonse (younger brother) everything but his soul. There are two stellar anime series you can watch: Fullmetal Alchemist (2003) is 51 episodes and a film that had to come up with its own ending after being produced faster than the source material. It tends to have more filler, but the character relationships and their development are very well done. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009) is 64 episodes and follows the source material all the way through. The last arc of the show is much tighter than its predecessor. BOTH shows are worth watching, but Brotherhood is by and large considered to be the better of the two.

The film isn’t due out until next year, so a lot of the transmutation effects are most likely still being added in. (Note that in the one shot where we see Ed transmute, the telltale lightning did not accompany the action.)

HOWEVER – we did get a peek at the the fully CGI Alphonse in his suit of armor, as well as some items being transmuted in a circle, and a stone beast coming at Ed.

While we didn’t see many other characters in the teaser, casting has confirmed Maes Hughes, Gracia Hughes, Riza Hawkeye, Maria Ross, Shou Tucker, Doctor Marco, Lust, Envy, Gluttony, and Father Cornello. Shou Tucker is of particular interest to fans, as his early story arc is often considered to be one of, if not the most, emotional and traumatic of the series. I look forward to crying in horror with you all.